If you love hunting, you might be looking for a rangefinder to help up your game and bag more game. A rangefinder can help you line up tougher shots with more accuracy and help you hit targets that are considerably farther away than any you can see on your own. This increases the chances you’ll hit your target cleanly rather than just injure or spook your intended prey. Understanding the basic function and features of rangefinders can help you find the right one for your needs.

The first thing to consider is, obviously, range, which indicates how far away a rangefinder can “see” a potential target. Rangefinders are generally rated for 500 to 1,500 feet, though you can find higher-end models rated for longer distances. Your preferred type of hunting should dictate what max range you need. If most of your hunting is done in wooded areas where you never have a clear sight line that extends 1,500 feet, there’s really no need for you to spend extra money for extra distance.

While range is certainly important, the longest advertised range isn’t worth the extra dough if it doesn’t come with superior accuracy. Some models advertise longer ranges, but also only guarantee accuracy to about 75% of that distance. If you need a rangefinder to be accurate at its longest stated distance, make sure you find the model with the greatest accuracy. After all, you can line up a shot and miss the target all by yourself, right? If you’re going to spend your money on a gadget to help, it needs to really help.

Clarity is another important consideration. You want a model that gives you the clearest possible view at your preferred max distance. This increases the chances of being able to line up a great shot. Great clarity can be the difference between seeing a target at 1,000 feet (and be reasonably sure he is actually at 1,000 feet) and being able to see the details of your target clearly, giving you the best chance at a kill shot. You can visit bestrangefinder.reviews for reviews on rangefinder models and some tips for those new to using rangefinders or who want to get the most out of their investment.

One aspect of rangefinders many hunters tend to overlook is how well different models perform in different light settings. Some models are great in daylight, others are designed for use in lower light (dusk/dawn or heavy tree cover) situations. There are some that are ideal for near-whiteout snowy and bright conditions. Still others are perfect for hunters who prefer nighttime expeditions. If you tend to hunt in one type of lighting or another, you might be able to save a few bucks and not spring for a model that can handle multiple ambient lighting conditions well. If you do a lot of hunting in snowy or even rainy weather, be sure to look for a rangefinder that’s water resistant, or maybe even waterproof.

Some rangefinders are rifle-mountable scopes. These are the most convenient for many hunters since they become part of the rifle and don’t have to be carried separately. If you opt for one of these, just make sure you know what kind of mounting kit your rifle will accommodate. Some rangefinder/scope combos are sold with mounting kits, but some require you to purchase the mounting kit separately. Most hunters are comfortable mounting scopes themselves, but you can usually find a gunsmith to do that for you if you’d rather not risk damaging the rifle or scope by doing it yourself. If you opt for a standalone rangefinder, be sure you get one that isn’t so big and heavy that it’s cumbersome, but not so small that it can get lost in a gear bag or hard to handle if your hands are cold or gloved.When it comes to cool extras, there are rangefinders that will calculate the angle of slope between you and a target. You can also find models that can account for wind speed and direction. Check out http://bestrangefinder.reviews/ for reviews, including pros and cons, of several rangefinder models.

For some hunters, there’s no more rewarding season than winter. Staying warm, though, can be as tough as it is important. Being miserably cold is, well, miserable, and can make it harder to stay out for longer periods. Below, we’ll look at a few ways to keep Jack Frost at bay.

Long johns

They’ve been around forever because they work. Today’s one-piece thermals are warmer and less bulky than they used to be. Look for stretchy fleece-type material for maximum warmth that doesn’t feel heavy or restricting. A warm first layer is one of the best ways to keep your body heat from escaping.

Stocking cap

Since so much body heat escapes through our heads, it’s critical to keep our heads covered in extreme cold. There are now hats and caps that are warm on their own and also contain pouches for hot packs that sit on or near the neck for added warmth in addition to heat retention.

Boot covers

Some boots claim to keep your feet warm, but end up making your feet sweat, and wet feet don’t stay warm. Heated boot covers are designed to hold hand warmer packs in a pouch that rests right over your toes. They’re worn over your boots and can keep your feet toasty from sunup to sundown.

Heated back wraps

Most pharmacies and mega marts carry back, neck, arm, and leg wraps that are advertised as a way to deliver heat to sore muscles for as long as eight hours. They feature bands that wrap around the intended body part and fasten in a Velcro-type manner. Wearing one of the back wraps so that the heat is on your lower back and kidney area can help keep your whole body warm all day. SInce your blood flows through your kidneys, keeping your kidneys warm can help keep your blood, and therefore the rest of your body, warm. The heat delivered is steady, but there’s no danger of burns and no electricity or batteries to worry about.

Neck gaiter

Made like a sleeve that goes over your head and sits around your neck, a heated gaiter can help keep body heat contained. A model that allows you to insert hot packs (hand warmers) can help warm the blood flowing through the major pulse points in your neck.

Gloves or hand muffs

Many hunters don’t like wearing gloves since they tend to limit mobility. If you’re okay with gloves, adding a hand-heating pack can give you extra warmth. If you’d rather not worry about gloves, consider a hand muff that you can wear around your waist. Load it up with hand heaters, and you can keep your hands tucked in and toasty until you’re ready to line up a shot.

Rain gear

Lighter-weight rain gear can be very effective at blocking wind and retaining body heat. The fact that they’re impervious to rain is what helps keep wind out and body heat in.

Hoods

If your rain jacket or other cold-weather jacket comes with a hood, use it. Again, you’re keeping wind out and your own body heat in. If your hood fits rather snugly, you can add a hot pack to generate additional heat.Keeping warm during the coldest weather isn’t just a way to keep you comfortable as you wait for your prey. It’s also about keeping you safe and better able to concentrate on the job at hand, not to mention better able to move your fingers when it’s time to take your best shot.

About

Andy Voss-Hundeklubb is a hunter from Wyoming who provides tips useful for hunters at all ages and stages, along with helpful gun safety information.